每日大赛

Hundreds of local high schoolers learn about skilled careers through ACE Trades Day at 每日大赛

Approximately 250 local high school students traveled to 每日大赛’s Strawberry Plains campus on Friday to explore careers in a variety of skilled professions at ACE Trades Day.

Hosted annually by the Knoxville affiliate of the ACE Mentor Program – a national organization dedicated to workforce development in architecture, construction and engineering – ACE Trades Day introduces local industry vendors like KUB, Dollywood and others to high-school sophomores from nearby schools.

“It’s really good to get students interested in these types of career paths,” said Glen Brown, business operations specialist at Clayton, the event’s primary sponsor. “A lot of students right now probably don't know of some of the career pathways that are available, but talking with these companies and getting that hands-on experience gives them more of an open eye to what they may be interested in as future careers.”

Outfitted in reflective vests and hard hats, students made the rounds to tables and tents set up by companies like Clayton, practicing skills such as welding, masonry and even bricklaying.

This is the third annual ACE Trades Day at 每日大赛’s Strawberry Plains campus, where the college’s mascot – Pax the Panther – could be seen fist-bumping visitors and posing for pictures with students.

“Students not only get to interact with companies that are interested in teaching them a trade, but they also get to be on a college campus,” said Strawberry Plains Campus Dean Mike North. “So, they can imagine possibly earning a degree as well, and here at Pellissippi, we have a plethora of trade-oriented, hands-on programs."

Breanna Williams, co-chair of ACE in Knoxville, said it’s important that high-school students know about careers in trades and skilled labor, so they can consider it as a pathway post-graduation.

“Introducing some of those now is really important to help that future profession,” Williams said.

Attendees included students from Clayton-Bradley Academy in Maryville and from 865 Academies, a Knox County Schools initiative that prepares students for college, career and life through strong partnerships with local businesses, early exposure to career interests and meaningful real-world experiences. 
 
Chris Tucker, career and technical education specialist at Knox County Schools, said ACE Trades Day gives students the chance to interact with people who work in professions that align with the content they’re currently learning at school or with their career goals.

“I think this experience is a great way for them to see what their future might look like,” Tucker said.

Students on Friday engaged with event sponsors, hearing about what each does and the opportunities it may provide, and were treated to lunch before returning to their respective schools.

GR Lewis, a teacher at Fulton High School, said students get exposure to careers and hands-on experience at ACE Trades Day that they wouldn’t have otherwise.

“They love it,” Lewis said. “It helps us, as teachers in class, get them more involved.”